Real Stone Paint Color Matching
1. Color matching samples
Based on the sample效果图, color cards, and the like, these color matching processes are simple. They can be adjusted according to the base color of your product, usually with a single color as the main choice. Depending on customer requirements, coarse sand (20-40 or 10-20) can be added. Generally, for lighter colors, 80-120 of colored sand is added to the base mixture (including marble powder, marble dust, or titanium white paste – see the previous article for details) to adjust the color. Painters often get asked if adding 80-120 colored sand will result in many small particles, and adding 120-160 colored sand will yield a purer color at a lower cost. The painter might ask you if you prefer a purer color with lower cost or a higher chance of wall discoloration. How to resolve this? First, negotiate with the client to see if they can accept it; 90% of clients the painters have dealt with can. Second, guide the client to add 20-40 colored sand, as the chance of discoloration in solid colors is higher than in mixed colors.
Referencing the sample, these color requirements are high and complex. Even if you bring back the formula, adjustments will be necessary.
To begin, pair with a 1kg sample scraping board, which offers a shorter drying time and faster modification speed. Adjust the colored sand according to the color matching, and once a 90% similarity is achieved, you can proceed to create a medium sample, typically 3-5kg. For instance, if you require a sample piece, you can prepare 3kg of materials to directly mix the medium sample.
Please note:
Customers require one sample board, with two color adjustments made: one for the customer and one for retention. The retention sample is typically coated with a clear lacquer, and the formula is kept on record. The sample material is reserved in 1kg increments. The sample board is made from calcium silicate board, which is a material that closely resembles walls. Briefly, there are several types of baseboards on the market: PVC boards are widely used, lightweight, and not prone to breaking. However, a significant drawback is that they do not absorb water, and the color on the PVC board differs from the wall by a certain degree. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is essentially wood, is also lightweight and not prone to breaking. The downside is that the sample color is prone to yellowing and does not tolerate water well.
2. Production Color Matching
Color adjustment in production typically follows the retained formula, adding base mix sand and coarse (10-20, 20-40, and 40-80 mesh) colored sand, reserving 20%-30% of the 80-120 mesh colored sand. After thorough mixing, take 1kg of material from the production machine and a small sample of reserved colored sand from the workshop, adding it according to the ratio. Mix with the retained wet sample or wet sample of the standard, and after drying, the color is about 90%. Then, add 90% of the adjusted sample ratio to the workshop production equipment. The reason for adding only 90% is that laboratory sample color adjustment errors can be magnified significantly in the workshop. The wetting effect of the natural stone paint mixing equipment is better than manual stirring in the laboratory, where you cannot use a small dispersant with 1kg. Therefore, it is generally added in small proportions to the workshop production. Once the colored sand is added, it is recommended to mix in both directions for 15 minutes each, take a sample, and spray it. The spray board construction effect should match the original retained dry board, with the same thickness. After drying, compare it with the original sample. Refer to the initial batch sample for each batch.
Cautionary Notes
If the original sample is air-dried, the production color matching must also be air-dried for color matching. If the dried sample board is dried in a constant-temperature drying cabinet, the production color matching board must also be dried in a constant-temperature drying cabinet.
In summary, whether it's latex paint or natural stone paint, there's no shortcut in color matching; it's all about learning, experimenting, and asking questions. We suggest beginners start building their own database.
